Nursing professor Maher El-Masri will discuss his research on a new cancer screening program for First Nations and Metis people in the region when he appears on CJAM 99.1 FM this afternoon.

Dr. El-Masri, nursing's research leadership chair, is part of a team that received more than $500,000 in funding to help implement and evaluate a program which will encourage people in underscreened populations to get tested for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. The overall rate for new cancer cases among Ontario's First Nations peoples has more than doubled between 1968 and 2001 and early detection is crucial for treating some of the most preventable forms of cancer.

El-Masri will appear on Research Matters, a weekly talk show that airs Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.